MANAGER OF THE YEAR: La Russa, Cardinals. Can he make a grand exit? Yes, they'll miss him in St. Louis when he's gone. But Piniella would deserve the award if the Cubs win the division.

10 questions

1. What about that Pujols-for-Ryan Howard trade? Bet heavily against it. The Cardinals have to find a way to keep Pujols — and keep him playing. If he has health problems, the Cards have major problems.

2. Is this the last hurrah? Could this proud division lose La Russa, Piniella (first and fourth in active victories) and Dusty Baker at the same time? None has a contract past this season. What a shame that would be.

3. Is a Marlon better than a Milton? The watch is on as smiling Marlon Byrd takes over for sulking Milton Bradley. And the Cubs got happy-faced Carlos Silva too. Can clubhouse chemistry mean that much? We'll find out.

4. Can the Brewers or Reds challenge the Big Two? Brewers, maybe; Reds, probably not quite ready for prime time. Escobar should fit into the Brewers' lineup ahead of Braun and Fielder, and the addition of Randy Wolf helps an iffy rotation. If all goes exactly right, watch out above.

5. Any hope in Houston? Not with the age and injury history of Oswalt and Lance Berkman. Seems $94 million doesn't go far for a team in transition.

6. Do they still play in Pittsburgh? Yes, even though no one seems to notice or care. Last winning season: 1992. Next one: Who knows?

7. Who's the most underrated player? The Cardinals' Skip Schumaker. Schumaker not only made the conversion from outfield to infield but also will bat leadoff for a powerful lineup.

8. Who's most under the gun? Mark McGwire. The Cardinals seemed to do just fine with Hal McRae as hitting coach. It will be easy for some to stick in the needle if the Cards don't repeat.

9. Who's on the endangered species list? Astros GM Ed Wade has hired another manager, so he would be next to go, and there are hints in Chicago that GM Jim Hendry might be in trouble with a bad season. So might Brewers manager Ken Macha.

10 Which team is most likely to get a lift at the trade deadline? Cubs. Can you imagine how much an overexcited first-year owner ( the Ricketts family) would spend to end the 101-year drought?